From investments to taxes and income tax to strategic planning for your future to mortgages, Rob Carnie from CHAB has touched on all of those things over the years with Aaron Ruston from Purposed Financial.
Now it’s time to discover the backstory.
“I grew up in the ‘metropolis’ of Eston, Saskatchewan,” reveals Ruston. “My parents were farmers; my dad also worked on the railroad. I didn’t want to go into farming, so they sold the family farm in 1980. Prices were good, and they got a tranche of cash out of that.”
However, what happened next, set the stage for the rest of Ruston’s life.
“My parents invested all that cash on the advice of a local ‘expert’ who was nothing of the sort. Within months, the company they’d been told to invest in, went down. After working so hard for so long , they lost a lot of money.”
Seeing the impacts of bad actors impersonating investment professionals, Ruston decided to help make a difference, so this loss would not happen in other people’s lives.
In December of 1983, Ruston began his career at CIBC, but soon realized that he wanted more.
“I was accepted into the University of Saskatchewan with the intention of going into the field of law, so I moved to Saskatoon, but ultimately decided to stay in the financial world. Next thing we knew, my business partner and I had four or five investment offices. We also had travel agencies in Canada and the U.S.”
He met his wife in Saskatoon, and after marrying in 1986, the couple moved to Vancouver.
“After setting up office there, we moved back to Regina, then Kelowna. Then in 2000 we moved back here. We had sold off a few companies and wondered what's next. That’s when Briercrest College and Seminary crossed my path. A few years later, I began to realize that my purpose in life is to bring other people purpose -- and that includes their finances. So Purposed -- meaning living every part of your life on purpose -- Financial formed in 2010. Because we have to live every part of our life on purpose. We have to be passionate about what we do.”
Ruston practices what he preaches, as passion drives every aspect of his life. A longtime member of the Moose Jaw Shrine Club and Director General for the Midwest Shrine Association, he says the organization’s sole philanthropy is making a difference in the lives of sick children and their families.
“I believe that if we're blessed, we are to give back – and it doesn't have to be monetarily. It can be volunteering – that's huge. This August, 600 Shriners will be coming into Moose Jaw from the U.S. and Canada with their mini-cars and mini-bikes and their fezzes and it's going to be an amazing time.”
Many may also recognize Ruston from his involvement on the music scene.
“Music has been part of my life since I was four years old. I've been blessed to record with some key people down in the U.S. with some key people. And at least every second weekend, I’m out there performing with The UnCoolas, The New Montagues, Frogsback, doing a wide variety of songs. We’ve won numerous awards.”
Ruston says all of this would not be possible without the support of his family and community.
“My wife Nancy, our son Tallon, our daughter Kaylee, and of course, their extended family – they are amazing. And Moose Jaw has been so good to us. They've made us feel very welcome.”
“I know that with what’s going on around the globe, people are concerned,” reflects Ruston. “But together, we'll pull through this. And we're going to make a positive difference in the lives of those that maybe need our help. That’s our purpose – to work hard, be dedicated, be willing to learn, and just make a difference in the lives of those around you. That's what life is about.
“Whether it's music, business, or philanthropy, I’m passionate about everything I do. We're here for a limited time and we better make the best of every moment that we have. Regardless of where life takes you, you can still live a purposed life. Financial is just one side of it. Take off those pressures, take away some of those concerns by having a plan.”
Ruston says that Purposed Financial has a vast array of people across the country who work behind the scenes to cover everything from taxation to legal matters.
“We have clients who are starting out, wanting to put some money aside or pay off debt, right up to high-end multi-company corporations requiring specific financial planning and structure – we can do it all, bringing in wisdom and insight from many, many others. It goes beyond the parameters of our little office at 81-A Athabasca Street West.
“So come on in, see what we're about. We'll make a difference with you.”
Visit purposedfinancial.com.